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Asheville is a popular travel destination for families, and with good reason! Just about every activity in Asheville, North Carolina, has something to offer children of all ages. There are plenty of fun things to do in Asheville with kids. Whether you are looking for history or shopping, the best restaurants, or outdoor family activities, Asheville has it all. With so much to see and things to do in Asheville for families, this quick guide will help you start planning your next visit to the area.
Planning a vacation with kids can be stressful. However, Asheville NC is the perfect place for families looking to explore and have fun together. Asheville NC has a thriving downtown that’s ideal for shopping and dining with the kids. Visitors can also head to some of North Carolina’s most breathtaking natural attractions, like the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the NC Arboretum.
In this post, we will highlight 21 fun things to do in Asheville with kids. Written by a mom who has lived in Asheville for over 15 years, who shares all the local secrets. We will also cover Asheville attractions for families like The Biltmore Estate, comedy tours, children’s museums, outdoor activities for families, kid-friendly hikes, family-friendly hotels, restaurants, breweries, and season family activities. We will share everything you need to know to explore the history and beauty of Asheville, North Carolina, with your kids!
Visit Asheville NC with Kids
The warm winters and mild summers make Asheville a great place to visit year-round. There are lots of kid-friendly things to do in Asheville North Carolina, including family-friendly outdoor activities, breweries, and museums. Plus a wide selection of amazing local restaurants and family-friendly hotels in Asheville NC. So regardless of what your family enjoys, there’s always something fun for everyone to do in Asheville NC with kids.
21 Fun Things To Do In Asheville With Kids
Whether you’re a family of three or a grandparent traveling solo with your grandchildren, there is something for everyone here! From the famous Biltmore Estate and its gardens to world-class comedy tours and kid-friendly hikes, Western North Carolina’s mountains have plenty of adventures waiting for you. We share all our local secrets so that visitors can get an insider look at how their trip might go from start to finish. Therefore, if any of the activities on this list strikes your fancy then be sure to give it a try while visiting Asheville with kids – just don’t forget your camera!
Most Popular & Fun Things To Do In Asheville With Kids
Here are 22 of the Best Things to do in Asheville NC with Kids:
1. The Biltmore Estate
This beautiful estate was built by George Vanderbilt in 1895 as his private home. The Biltmore Estate is one of America’s largest homes and also one of its finest examples of Gilded Age architecture! It’s now open to the public and features stunning gardens, acres of forested land, and more than 175 rooms filled with thousands of pieces of art from around the world.
The Biltmore Estate has it all, including fun for kids. From an adventure playground, farmyard where kids can pet the animals, to a winery tour, there are things keeping everyone busy here. Whether your family is into history or gardens, touring the house, or enjoying nature walks, this is truly a place that can be enjoyed by people of all interests and ages! Looking for family-friendly restaurants in Asheville NC while visiting the Biltmore Estate? Kids will love dining in The Stable Cafe which is an old horse barn converted into a beautiful kid-friendly restaurant.
Visitors can enjoy shopping and dining in the lovely Antler Hill Village area on the estate grounds. This is a great place to explore, with shops and restaurants to visit, as well as live music and summertime activities for kids at weekends throughout the season. There are several family-friendly hotels in Asheville NC located on the estate including The Inn On Biltmore and The Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate.
To learn more about visiting Biltmore, read my post about our family’s experience Taking the Kids to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville NC. Biltmore is certainly top of the list when looking for fun things to do in Asheville with kids.
2. Biltmore Village
Just down the road from The Biltmore Estate is another charming historical village that’s just as fun for kids! Biltmore Village has rows of quaint shops and dining options fit for any palate; it’s no surprise why so many families love spending time here. Plus if you’re looking for kid-friendly hotels near Asheville NC, many are located in this area.
3. Downtown Shops and Restaurants in Asheville
Asheville has a rich history that dates back hundreds of years. In fact, Asheville’s downtown area is on the National Register of Historic Places. If you are looking for shopping or dining downtown, you will find both in abundance!
Downtown Asheville is a wonderful place for families to explore together! With lots of fun things to do in Asheville with kids, it’s an amazing shopping destination filled with unique local shops and boutiques, art galleries, and a wide range of restaurants to choose from. Check out the Grove Arcade, which is an old-fashioned indoor mall with several shops and dining options…perfect for keeping kids entertained before lunch!
There is a wide selection of family-friendly restaurants in Asheville NC in the downtown area, including many establishments that offer kid-friendly menus. Keep reading and see below for our guide to kid-friendly restaurants in Asheville.
And if you visit Asheville with kids in the summertime, then don’t miss Splashville. Kids love to get wet and cool off in the interactive splash pad located in Pack Square Park, in the heart of downtown.
4. LaZoom Comedy Tour For Kids
LaZoom Tours is a fun way to experience Asheville that the whole family can enjoy. There are all kinds of bus tours available, including ones for kids! Jump on the iconic purple bus for the Little Booggers Kids’ Comedy Tour. Geared for children age 5-12 years. This hilarious and wildly funny tour is entertaining and educational with the perfect blend of Asheville’s history and kid-centric comedy. The kid-friendly LaZoom tours feature local comedians and actors who will keep everyone laughing and entertained during your tour. One of the most fun things to do in downtown Asheville NC with kids: hop on a LaZoom tour!
Asheville Children’s Museum
There are several options for a children’s museum in the Asheville NC area.
5. Asheville Museum of Science (AMOS)
The Asheville Museum of Science is a great place to visit with kids in the Asheville area, especially if you have an interest in science. The exhibits in AMOS explore the connections between astronomy, geology, ecology, climate, weather, and paleontology to form the beautiful landscape we call home.
The downtown Asheville museum is full of exhibits that explore a variety of topics from science, technology, engineering, and math. Visitors can spend hours learning about these different areas while having fun playing with cool hands-on activities along the way! Help your kids to find their STEM passion at AMOS!
6. Asheville Pinball Museum
Feeling nostalgic about your childhood? Asheville Pinball Museum is a fun and unique place to take kids of all ages! The museum has over 70 pinball machines for guests to play while they enjoy drinks and snacks at the bar. Once you pay the admission you can play pinball and classic video games without any quarters or tokens. The vintage machines will bring you back to the good old days of video games!
7. Hands On! Children’s Museum
This interactive children’s museum located nearby in downtown Hendersonville is a great way to keep kids entertained! Hands On! Children’s Museum offers over 12 different fun and interactive exhibits and learning stations designed for kids aged 1-10 years. The best part? Kids get to explore several different areas that help develop their motor skills, creativity, common sense, and problem-solving abilities. These “hands-on” educational exhibits and science programs stimulate the imagination and motivate learning in a fun, safe environment.
Kid Friendly Activities Asheville NC
There is an abundance of kid-friendly activities in Asheville NC. Western North Carolina is known for outdoor adventure. There are lots of things to do outdoors in Asheville North Carolina with kids! The foothills surrounding Asheville offer plenty of nature activities including hiking, biking, kayaking, and more! Here are the best outdoor adventures in Asheville NC for families.
8. The Adventure Center Asheville
The Adventure Center Asheville is a great place to visit with kids in the Asheville area! Families can enjoy mountain bike trails, obstacle courses, zip-lining, and more at The Adventure Center. It’s perfect for active families who love being outdoors! This ranks as one of the most popular and fun things to do in Asheville with kids.
Zip lining and zipline adventures are a blast for all ages! See the mountains from a whole new perspective as you zip line through the trees on an Asheville Zipline Canopy Adventures course! The center offers several different courses that vary in length and difficulty. Kid Zip is America’s first zipline adventure designed for kids age 4-10 years old. No matter your skill level, there is something for everyone. So grab your family for a fun-filled day of adventure in Asheville NC with kids!
9. Fishing at Lake Julian Park
If your family loves fishing then head on down to Lake Julian in Arden NC with your pole! This 300-acre public lake provides visitors with plenty of opportunities to fish and boat so take advantage of it! Make sure you get a North Carolina state fishing license first! In addition to fishing Lake Julian also offers picnic areas, disc golf, outdoor games, a playground, paddleboats, and water access.
10. WNC Nature Center
The WNC Nature Center in Asheville is a great place for families to learn about local animals and nature. With 42-acres of award-winning habitats families who visit Asheville NC with kids can get close to Southern Appalachian wildlife. The center is home to over 60 species of wildlife from all over the NC region including black bears, red wolves, river otters, and red pandas.
Kids love the educational programs and hands-on experiences at the nature center! There are nature play areas, gem mining, a barnyard with farm animals, and a picnic area where you can enjoy a picnic lunch. The Nature Center is certainly one of the best things to do in Asheville with kids, especially if your children are preschool or elementary age.
Kid-Friendly Hikes in Asheville NC
Hikes are family-friendly activities in Western North Carolina. Take one of the many kid-friendly hikes in Asheville NC for some amazing views with children in tow.
11. North Carolina Arboretum
The North Carolina Arboretum is one of the most beautiful locations in Asheville NC with spectacular gardens and grounds to explore. This botanical garden is located on nearly 400 acres of gently rolling hills right outside the city. Go hiking on some of Asheville’s amazing trails including Bent Creek Trail which has easy hikes with lots of wildlife opportunities. Visitors can spend hours exploring all there is to discover along the trails when they visit the NC Arboretum in Asheville. Perfect for families with active kids who love being outdoors!
12. Chimney Rock State Park
Located just a short drive outside of Asheville NC you’ll find Chimney Rock State Park! This scenic park offers some amazing views down below in addition to fun outdoor activities for kids! Climb up rock formations and hike along trails that lead to incredible views of the Blue Ridge mountains. The park features an elevator, great for tired little hikers who want to reach the top! Above all, this is one of Asheville’s best adventure things to do with kids offering beautiful views and opportunities for some fun outdoor family activities.
Best Kid Friendly Hikes in Smoky Mountain National Park
With so much to see and do in Asheville NC with kids, visitors might easily overlook some of the state’s most popular attractions. But no visit to Asheville would be complete without visiting North Carolina’s most popular national parks, the Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Both are an easy drive from downtown Asheville NC.
Hiking in Asheville with kids is a popular activity with visitors and locals alike! The Asheville area has over 100 beautiful trails in the National Forests surrounding the city.
The Blue Ridge Parkway runs along the eastern edge of the mountains, while the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is known for its diversity of plant and animal life. Visitors can explore wooded trails, take in breathtaking views, or join local wildlife on a hike through these two spectacular national parks in North Carolina!
13. Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is America’s favorite drive for a reason! This long winding scenic roadway will take you on a journey that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of life in the city. The Blue Ridge Parkways is 469 miles of scenic beauty and diverse landscapes perfect for outdoor adventures with kids!
Hiking with your family is certainly one of the most inexpensive and fun things to do in Asheville with kids. There are lots of popular trails along the North Carolina section of The Blue Ridge Parkway that are great for family hikes. The best kid-friendly hikes in Asheville NC include Graveyard Fields, Craggy Gardens Trail, and Craggy Pinnacle Hike.
Graveyard Fields is an easy 3.2 miles trail. This is a popular family hike near Asheville because of its beauty, general ease, and access to two waterfalls. Taking the family to the Craggy Gardens Picnic Area is a popular kid-friendly activity in Asheville NC. Here you will find bathrooms and plenty of picnic tables to enjoy lunch with a view.
Hike the Craggy Gardens Trail from the parking area, this moderate trail is 0.8 miles mostly through the forest. There is a rhododendron bald at the top with an unobstructed view of the Smoky Mountains, and blueberries on the bald offer an excellent late-summer treat.
Additionally, one particularly exciting family-friendly hike along the Blue Ridge Parkway is the Craggy Pinnacle Hike. This easy 1.4 miles round trip trail is child-friendly and provides stunning 360-degree views from its summit.
14. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is one of the most beautiful places in Asheville NC. Up there with our list of best things to do with kids in Asheville, this national park features a variety of wildlife and plant life along its many hiking trails – not to mention breathtaking views from the mountaintops! It’s easy to spend an entire day in this beautiful national park.
The best kid-friendly hikes in Smoky Mountain National Park are the Deep Creek Trail. This beautiful recreation area has easy hikes suitable for children, with several loop trails and scenic waterfalls. Water Tube rental for families visiting the Smoky Mountains is available, as well as a swimming hole and fishing. Plan to enjoy a picnic or spend the night with kids at the Smoky Mountain National Park campground.
Also, another great activity to try when you visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park with kids is Junior Ranger Programs. These are wonderful opportunities for older children who enjoy learning about the history of the area, and younger children who are interested in native wildlife. The park runs many programs for all ages, including Junior Ranger activities and special educational programs.
Family-friendly Hotels in Asheville NC
This city is known as family-friendly Asheville because there is so much to do in Asheville with kids. Parents want great options on where to stay while you’re visiting all these amazing places with kids in Asheville.
There is a wide selection of suitable accommodation for families in Asheville NC such as hotels, apartments, Airbnb rentals (including houses, cabins, or RV’s). When you are looking for the best of the best family-friendly hotels in Asheville NC then look no further than The Omni Grove Park Inn.
15. The Omni Grove Park Inn
Located just minutes from downtown Asheville, this historic resort hotel has a little something for everyone. With a full-sized golf course, indoor and outdoor pools, a sports complex with kids’ activities, and an award-winning spa. Above all, The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa is an ideal spot for families visiting Asheville.
If you’re planning an Asheville NC family vacation with kiddos, this is definitely one hotel to consider!
An iconic hotel located atop Sunset Mountain in downtown Asheville, the Grove Park Inn Resort has been welcoming guests for over 100 years. This 5-star resort and spa have over 500 luxurious rooms and suites available for guests. With four locally sourced restaurants on-site – your family will be sure to find something they love!
If you are looking for family-friendly activities in Asheville, NC, be sure to visit the Gingerbread Houses at Grove Park Inn. Most importantly, this beautiful hotel features a special Gingerbread House display every December that is perfect for children of all ages. For over forty years, this annual tradition has delighted visitors from near and far with its whimsical assortment of gingerbread houses! This is definitely one of the must-do fun things to do in Asheville with kids.
Here we share our family’s experience of visiting the Grove Park Inn with kids at Christmas to see the Gingerbread Houses.
Top 5 Asheville NC Kid Friendly Hotels
For affordable family-friendly hotels in Asheville NC check out these options.
Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park
For families looking for an affordable way to stay in Biltmore Park, south Asheville. The Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park is a family-friendly hotel in Asheville NC. This hotel features spacious rooms with comfortable beds and flat-screen TVs, as well as many amenities you’d expect from a larger chain.
The Residences at Biltmore
For families looking for something truly special, The Residences at Biltmore offers over 100 luxury apartments right in Biltmore Village. Enjoy resort-style living with all the comforts of home, including fully equipped kitchens and washers/dryers. This is one of the Asheville NC kid-friendly hotels well worth considering!
Aloft Asheville Downtown
The Aloft Asheville Downtown is in the heart of downtown Asheville. Aloft offers all the amenities modern travelers have come to expect from a boutique hotel. Enjoy free WiFi, flat-screen TVs in every room, and an indoor/outdoor rooftop pool with views of Asheville’s skyline. This modern hotel is perfect for families looking to get the most out of their visit to downtown Asheville! the resort is the perfect getaway for families looking to relax in Asheville.
Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts Asheville
The Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts Asheville is perfectly located just minutes from downtown Asheville, Crowne Plaza offers many amenities for travelers looking for a hotel with all the comforts of home. Enjoy free WiFi in every room, an outdoor pool, and Fitness Center. When you visit Asheville with kids, the Crowne Plaza is one of the best Asheville NC kid-friendly hotels. Therefore, this resort is the perfect getaway for families looking to relax in Asheville.
Biltmore
The Inn On Biltmore and The Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate are two perfect Asheville NC kid-friendly hotels. These neighboring properties are located on the Biltmore Estate just steps away from the Biltmore House, allowing you to enjoy all the amenities of this beautiful estate. Enjoy the Biltmore gardens, stables, and winery – not to mention magnificent rooms at one of Asheville NC’s best hotels for families!
Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Asheville
While there are many restaurants in Asheville for any and every type of food preference, these five offer something special for families.
16. Dine at Kid-Friendly Restaurant in Asheville NC
For those looking to enjoy a delicious meal with the whole family, look no further than these five local favorites! Asheville NC has everything from traditional southern cuisine to vegan dishes – you’ll find plenty of options at each one of these kid-friendly restaurants in Asheville.
Top 5 Family-Friendly Restaurants in Asheville NC
Early Girl Eatery
One of the best places in Asheville for breakfast, Early Girl Eatery is located on Wall Street, an iconic cobblestone street in the heart of downtown. This small restaurant serves up coffee and breakfast all day long – perfect if your kids have an early morning! The menu includes eggs benedict, french toast, pancakes, biscuits & gravy…and more. Now with a second location on Haywood Road in West Asheville. This is one of my favorite lunch spots and I can recommend the Chicken BLTA Salad.
Tupelo Honey
If you’re looking for a delicious brunch spot in Asheville, look no further than Tupelo Honey! This locally-owned restaurant has its original location on College Street in downtown Asheville and features southern cuisine with a modern twist. The scratch-made menu changes with the seasons and offers brunch, lunch, or dinner. Their menu favorites include fried green tomatoes, chicken & waffles, shrimp & grits, sandwiches & salads, pancakes, benedicts…and more! There is a kid’s menu is available and beer, cocktails, and specialty sips for the adults. Also, with a second location in South Asheville, and they now have locations across the USA. Maybe there’s a Tupelo Honey near you?
White Duck Taco Shop
Now with three locations: downtown Asheville, Riverside Drive, and Arden (South Asheville). White Duck Taco Shop features a unique menu of tacos and other dishes. This restaurant has plenty of options for all ages – including chicken or cheese quesadillas for the kids. My favorite tacos include the signature Duck with Mole, and the Bangkok Shrimp and Korean Beef Bulgogi are other popular tacos. As well as more “Americanized” dishes such as Steak & Cheese, or Spicy Buffalo Chicken tacos. Visit the location on Riverside Drive where there’s space for the kids to run around and you can sit outdoors on picnic benches overlooking the French Broad River. White Duck Taco Shop is one of the most family-friendly restaurants in Asheville.
Farm Burger
Farm Burger has locations throughout the Southeast – however, their location on Patton Avenue in the heart of downtown Asheville is one of the best. Offering grass-fed, all-natural beef burgers, and other proteins, Farm Burger is a delicious spot for lunch or dinner. Kids will love their Lil Chz Burger, Crispy Chicken Tenders, Shakes, and Floats. While adults can enjoy local products like seasonal salads, housemade vegan burgers, and local brews! There is also a second location in South Asheville.
Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack
Looking for a southern spin on fried chicken? Look no further than Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack. Their main location is in West Asheville but they have a second location in South Asheville as well! They serve the traditional hot chicken with sides such as potato salad, slaw, beans, and more. My favorites include the fried okra and corn pudding! Adults will love the beer selection from local breweries while kids can enjoy fresh lemonade or other non-alcoholic beverages. Kids love their famous chicken tenders, waffles, mac & cheese…and more! There is a kid’s menu available too!
Family-Friendly Breweries in Asheville
Asheville is known as Beer City USA. There is a wide selection of breweries that are great places to visit with kids. The family-friendly breweries in Asheville typically have outdoor seating, high tables and chairs for the adults, and lower tables or benches for the kids. There are often activities available for children such as a play area, corn hole, and giant yard games. Some local breweries offer tours for adults so you can see the process of brewing up close. There is typically food available and sampling beers are on tap!
17. Tour Family Friendly Breweries in Asheville
If your family likes craft beers then they will love exploring Asheville’s local breweries. Here are the top 10 picks for kid-friendly breweries in Asheville:
Top 5 Family-Friendly Breweries in Asheville NC
Green Man Brewery
Green Man Brewery has two taprooms on Buxton Avenue in downtown Asheville with an extensive beer menu. Dirty Jack’s, the original taproom, has an outdoor patio and welcomes your kids and dogs. As one of North Carolina’s original breweries, Green Man has been brewing great beer in Asheville since 1997.
Highland Brewing Company
Highland Brewing Company is one of the oldest breweries in Asheville, and it definitely has a family-friendly vibe. The beer garden features outdoor games like cornhole, board games for free, picnic tables, Adirondack chairs outside too! You’ll find several beers available at this location including Highland’s most popular brews that are year-round. They also offer limited-release seasonal beers in the taproom. Highland Brewing Company is located in East Asheville. They also have a taproom in downtown Asheville on the mezzanine level of The S&W Market.
New Belgium Brewing
New Belgium Brewing has a location in West Asheville and offers one of the best brewery tours in town (currently on hold because of Covid). Check out the huge facility where everyone from the brewers to administrative staff works together to create great craft beers! There is a tasting room with an extensive beer list and food available for purchase. Also, outdoor table service is available, and you are welcome to bring a blanket or camp chair to use on the lawn. Children and dogs on a leash are welcome.
Hi-Wire Brewing
Hi-Wire Brewing has two locations in Asheville. The original South Slope taproom in downtown and the larger Big Top Production Brewery in the Biltmore Village area. Hi-Wire is one of the most family-friendly breweries in Asheville. The Big Top location is a large industrial-feeling space with a beer garden and permanent food truck. There are plenty of events at Hi-Wire where children are welcome. Coming soon is the Hi-Wire RAD Taproom which will include a 5,000 sq ft beer garden made from re-purposed shipping containers.
Sierra Nevada
This popular West Coast brewery opened its East Coast location just outside of Asheville, in Mills River, in 2015. With a large taproom, indoor dining room, and outdoor seating, this is a great spot to visit with the whole family. There are beers on tap, Southern-inspired small plates available, and outdoor firepits where you can relax. Tucked in the forest, so you can make the most of this escape. Kids will enjoy exploring the gardens, playing outdoor games, and hiking the nature trails. In addition, Sierra Nevada offers virtual and in-person tours of the brewery for adults, but these are currently on hold due to Covid. Make sure to make dining reservations online ahead of time.
In addition to the restaurants and breweries mentioned above, there are plenty of other kid-friendly Asheville restaurants and lots more family-friendly breweries in Asheville. The great thing about this city is there are plenty of fun things to do in Asheville with kids. There are endless possibilities for families who visit Asheville NC with kids.
Seasonal Family Activities in Asheville NC
There are a variety of family activities in Asheville, depending on which season you choose to visit Asheville with kids. A popular time to visit Western North Carolina is in the fall when the color of the leaves is spectacular. There are tons of outdoor activities in Asheville NC for families with children.
Kid-friendly activities in Asheville NC during the late summer and fall season include apple picking, exploring a corn maze, and visiting the fair. If you visit Asheville during the winter months then there are lots of options for snow tubing in Asheville with kids.
18. Apple Picking
You can pick your own apples at one of the many apple orchards in Henderson County, NC. This is only about a 30-minute drive from downtown Asheville. It’s fun for kids to see how trees are harvested and turned into food like applesauce and cider. One of our favorite things to do with kids in Asheville is to go apple picking.
If you want to go out on a limb (no pun intended) then visit Sky Top Orchard in Zirconia. Most importantly, they offer U-Pick apples for those who want to explore the orchard. However, you can buy fresh-picked apples and other fall treats from the shop. Sky Top Orchard offers all sorts of fun family activities during the fall season including hayrides, a bee train ride, apple cannon shooting. There is a barnyard and a children’s play area, and they serve THE MOST amazing apple slush and apple donuts! Your family will have the best time going apple picking as this is one of my favorite and most fun things to do in Asheville with kids.
19. Explore a Corn Maze
If you are looking for more family-friendly activities then how about exploring a corn maze? Asheville NC has several places to choose from when it comes to corn maze adventures with kids. For instance, Eliada Corn Maze is just 15 minutes from downtown Asheville, and this is a fun place to go with the whole family. Explore the corn maze, and children will also enjoy the other fall activities. Eliada Corn Maze activities include the hayride, corn cannons, bouncy pillow, spider climbing web, slide, yard games, and more. The best part is that it’s a non-profit Corn Maze with 100% of proceeds benefiting the children at Eliada Home For Children!
20. Visit the North Carolina Mountain State Fair
There is nothing else like the North Carolina Mountain State Fair, which transforms the WNC Ag Center into a fantastic fall festival each September. Enjoy the fairground attractions and midway rides, fair food, livestock shows, agricultural exhibits, local entertainment acts on stage, and countless kids’ activities. Exhibits include arts & crafts for children, 4H animals to meet and learn about, flower/vegetable/plant exhibits by Appalachian State University students. Don’t miss the chair lift ride across the fairgrounds which provides beautiful views of the mountains. This truly is one of the most magical and fun things to do in Asheville with kids.
21. Snow Tubing in Asheville with Kids
If you visit Asheville during the winter months then there are lots of options for snow tubing in Asheville with kids. Winter is a great time to visit Western North Carolina because it’s less crowded than fall, and it’s an awesome opportunity for some snow tubing! Western North Carolina offers multiple options for snow tubing in Asheville with kids.
Many snow tubing parks have opened in the Asheville area, and some ski resorts now offer snow tubing in addition to traditional snow skiing and snowboarding. And, even if the North Carolina mountains are not covered in snow there is modern snowmaking equipment to create a winter wonderland.
Read this post to learn about the most popular snow tubing or sledding slopes in the Asheville, NC area. Also, Zip N Slip Snow Tubing Park, near Mars Hill, is a premier snow tubing experience that is the perfect kid-friendly activity in Asheville. Another good option is Tube World at Cataloochee Ski Area near Maggie Valley, NC. Cataloochee is a smaller resort that has some activities for kids like tubing, and it’s definitely worth checking out. This area of the mountains also gets more snow than other resorts in WNC which makes it great for snow tubing!
22. River Tubing in Asheville NC for Families
When visiting Asheville during the warm summer months consider river tubing. While basking in the sunshine as you float down a lazy river on an inflatable tube and gaze up at the beautiful blue sky. River tubing is an affordable summer activity that is popular with families. It can be a fun family recreation wherein everyone can enjoy the outdoors, take in the scenery, and get some exercise.
River tubing is most commonly done on calm, slow-moving rivers. The inner tube acts as a raft, allowing anyone to relax and enjoy the ride. If you’re looking for a fun and family-friendly activity, river tubing in the Asheville area is a great option. The scenery is beautiful, as the mountains and the rivers provide a stunning backdrop for a day on the water.
Read our guide to help you find the Best Asheville, NC, River Tubing Locations for Families. It includes a round-up of the best equipment rental companies and popular locations for river tubing near Asheville, NC, and in the surrounding area.
Plan a Visit to Asheville NC with Kids
There truly is something for everyone here in the beautiful state of North Carolina. Fortunately, Asheville has something for every age of child from toddlers to teenagers. Asheville is the perfect destination for families of all ages. Visitors can enjoy family-friendly activities, restaurants, and lodging in the downtown area. Or head out to some of Western North Carolina’s most breathtaking natural attractions which include national parks and kid-friendly hikes in Asheville NC. Whatever your preference, there are always fun things to do with kids in Asheville NC that will make everyone happy!
We hope you found this guide to Asheville helpful, and that you enjoy this list full of 21 different ideas for visiting Asheville NC with kids! If you want to learn about other family-friendly destinations check out our blog posts about the Best Fall Break Destinations For Families, Multi-Generational Travel Ideas For Families, and Top Family Vacation Destinations in the USA.
And remember, let’s BE Family so you can enjoy the journey.
Until next time,
💕 Ruth
For more about family travel check out these posts:
Top Family Vacation Destinations in the US for 2021
Best Fall Break Destinations For Families
Visit the Biltmore Estate in Asheville NC with Kids
Christmas at the Grove Park Inn, Asheville NC
River Tubing in Asheville NC for Families
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Ruth Hutchins grew up in England and now lives in North Carolina with her husband, Doug, and their two young daughters. They always loved to travel, but once having children everything changed because family travel is more complicated. Traveling with a baby may feel overwhelming to new parents. Travel with a toddler can really test your patience, and traveling with kids can lead to utter chaos. However, travel with your little ones doesn’t have to be that stressful or exhausting. On the BE Family Travel blog Ruth shares her parenting wins, and even epic failures about traveling with kids. She provides resources to help you feel empowered to plan a family vacation and travel with your children.
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